Remote sensors for detecting alert conditions and notifying a central station

ABSTRACT

A method for disseminating emergency notification content from an emergency originating source. The method comprising: delivering the emergency notification content from the emergency originating source to at least one transmitting party; selecting a subset of users from among a set of users for dissemination of the emergency notification content based on the subject matter of the emergency notification content; and delivering the emergency notification content from the at least one transmitting party to a device corresponding to each user from the selected subset of users.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/469,348filed Aug. 31, 2006 which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.09/990,450, filed on Nov. 21, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,233,781, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/328,263, filedon Oct. 10, 2001 and U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/332,168,filed on Nov. 16, 2001. Each of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to disseminating emergencyinformation to the public, and more particularly, to a system and methodfor disseminating emergency notification content either from anemergency originating source or generated from a feedback system ofsensors. In either case, the emergency notification content can then bedisseminated to the public at large or directed to only thoseindividuals who are most affected by the content.

BACKGROUND

Traditional barriers between the boundaries of broadcast television,direct broadcast satellite networks, cable systems, MMDS, terrestrialnetwork operators, internet technologies, dedicated point to point widearea networks, and general purpose computing have begun to rapidlydissolve. In particular, we are witnessing the gradual migration ofthese technologies to an integrated whole. In the development of theinterconnection architectures that will be enabling of these emergenthome and portable multimedia entertainment and commerce systems, we willwitness the growth of topologies analogous to the evolution ofcentralized and distributed computing, transmission, and storagearchitectures. Present applications for these types of systems includeinteractive entertainment, all forms of electronic commerce, digitalmusic downloads, digital video downloads, pay per view, pay per playaudio, near or true video on demand, near or true audio on demand, nearor true books on demand, software downloads and distribution,interactive advertising, gaming, home banking, education, andregionalized or end user targeted weather and news, (to name but a few).

Within the current art of the emergency broadcast system, a traditionaltelevision viewer or radio station listener is notified of an alertmessage by a signal broadcast by one or more central emergency centerswhich interrupts the current programming In the event of a disaster orother emergency, all stations viewers or listeners receive a uniformmessage containing the nature of the emergency and related advisoryinformation.

Thus a fundamental problem within the current art is the presumptionthat the station or stations broadcasting the emergency notificationwill reach all viewers. This is further compounded by the now broadproliferation of channels and media options.

Another problem within the current art is that members of the targetnotification audience may not be presently viewing or listening on anyform of media at all, let alone one that has an emergency broadcastnotification capability, and further may be otherwise engaged inactivities and locations that make notification by traditional broadcastmeans unfeasible.

Another problem within the current art is the broadcast nature of theemergency notification. In particular, once emergency notificationcontent has been created it must be continuously rebroadcast untilupdated information has been created. Thus the presentation ofinformation is in a serial format and the viewer or listener mustcontinuously stay “tuned in” for a complete message, along with futureupdates.

Yet another problem within the current art is the need for a broadcaststation or node to keep re-broadcasting the emergency notificationcontent. In the event that this transmitting station or node is renderedinoperative by any means, for example by the emergency itself such as aterrorist attack or natural disaster, normal random system failure, orby any other means, the message may times.

Yet another problem within the current art is within the broadcastnature of the message itself. Viewers and listeners in differinggeographic areas, individuals with different personal needs or concerns,emergency workers and support personnel with diverse skills, all haveboth a need and desire for differing information, and all are currentlypresented with a uniform message, limited in scope and content due tothe amount of information that can be continuously rebroadcast within areasonable time period.

SUMMARY

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a systemand method for generating, delivering and otherwise disseminatingemergency notification content to an intended audience, which overcomesthe problems associated with the prior art.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system andmethod for disseminating emergency notification content to an intendedaudience, that implements a novel data collection system equipped withthe ability to sense at least one environmental/physical condition,initiate an alert notification at a particular sensor location whenapplicable, and transmit data indicative of the condition to an intendedaudience such as a governmental agency, local emergency personnel,medical facilities, and the like.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system andmethod for disseminating emergency notification content that implementsa data collection system equipped with one or more sensors for detectingone or more of a plurality of potentially hazardous environmentalconditions including temperature (e.g., either high or low extremes),radiation (e.g., neutron and high energy nuclear particles), toxicchemicals and gases (e.g., industrial chemicals and military gases suchas Sarin), biohazards, gases (e.g., carbon monoxide, methane, propane ornatural gas), smoke, water and air quality, humidity, shock (from ablast, a tornado, or earthquake) and pressure and, that processes thedata to tailor an appropriate emergency notification message and deliverthat message to an appropriate host facility for further disseminationof the emergency notification content.

Accordingly, a method for disseminating emergency notification contentfrom an emergency originating source is provided. The method comprises:delivering the emergency notification content from the emergencyoriginating source to at least one transmitting party; selecting asubset of users from among a set of users for dissemination of theemergency notification content based on the subject matter of theemergency notification content; and delivering the emergencynotification content from the at least one transmitting party to adevice corresponding to each user from the selected subset of users.

Preferably, the method further comprises providing filteringinstructions in the device for filtering out at least a portion of theemergency notification content for a particular user, wherein thedisplaying comprises displaying the remainder of the emergencynotification content other than the portion filtered out to theparticular user. The method also preferably further comprisestransmitting a GPS location of the device from the device directly orindirectly to the at least one transmitting party, wherein thedelivering of the emergency notification content from the at least onetransmitting party comprises directing the emergency notificationcontent to only those users having a location within a predeterminedproximity to an emergency for which the emergency notification contentis relevant. The method also preferably further comprises: storing theemergency notification content at the device; permitting the user of thedevice to request specific information from the emergency notificationcontent; searching the stored emergency notification content for therequested specific information; and displaying only the requestedspecific information to the user.

The method still preferably further comprises receiving location datafrom a 911 emergency system, the location data identifying a geographiclocation of an emergency, wherein the delivering of the emergencynotification content from the at least one transmitting party comprisesdirecting the emergency notification content regarding the emergency tousers in the geographic location. The emergency notification content ispreferably delivered to only those users by cellular or plain oldtelephony who do not provide an acknowledgement of receiving theemergency notification content by other means. Alternatively, theemergency notification content is delivered to only those users bycellular or plain old telephony who are within a predetermined proximityto an emergency for which the emergency notification content isrelevant.

Also provided is a method for disseminating emergency notificationcontent from an emergency originating source where the method comprises:delivering the emergency notification content from the emergencyoriginating source to a group of users; and transmitting a verificationfrom at least one individual user from the group of users. Preferably,the verification indicates that the emergency notification content hasbeen received. Alternatively, the verification indicates that theemergency notification content is collaborated.

Further provided is a method for disseminating emergency notificationcontent from an emergency originating source where the method comprises:delivering the emergency notification content from the emergencyoriginating source to a group of users; and at least one individual userfrom the group of users storing the emergency notification content thathas been received. Preferably, the emergency notification content isdisplayed from storage.

Further provided is a method for disseminating emergency notificationcontent from an emergency originating source where the method comprises:delivering the emergency notification content from the emergencyoriginating source to at least one transmitting party; providing anemergency knowledge database of a set of users; selecting a subset ofusers from among the set of users for dissemination of the emergencynotification content based on at least one corresponding entry in thedatabase; and directing the emergency notification content from the atleast one transmitting party to a device corresponding to each user fromthe selected subset of users.

Further provided is a method for disseminating emergency notificationcontent where the method comprises: transmitting feedback dataindicative of an environmental parameter from a plurality of devices toa remote location, each of the plurality of devices being operativelyconnected to at least one sensor for detecting the environmentalparameter; determining whether a dangerous situation has occurred basedon the feedback data; if it is determined that a dangerous situation hasoccurred: generating an emergency notification content based on thedangerous situation; selecting a subset of users from among a set ofusers based on the dangerous situation; and directing the emergencynotification content to a device corresponding to each user from theselected subset of users.

Further provided is a method for providing a remote medical analysis.The method comprises: detecting at least one medical parameter of apatient with at least one sensor operatively connected to a device;transmitting data corresponding to the at least one medical parameterfrom the device to a remote location; analyzing the data to determine amedical analysis based on the data; transmitting the medical analysisfrom the remote location to the device; and displaying the medicalanalysis to the patient.

Still further provided is a system for disseminating emergencynotification content from an emergency originating source. The systemcomprises: first transmission means for delivering the emergencynotification content from the emergency originating source to at leastone transmitting party; means for selecting a subset of users from amonga set of users for dissemination of the emergency notification contentbased on the subject matter of the emergency notification content; andsecond transmission means for delivering the emergency notificationcontent from the at least one transmitting party to a devicecorresponding to each user from the selected subset of users; the devicehaving a receiving means for receiving the emergency notificationcontent from the at least one transmitting party and a displayoperatively connected thereto for displaying the received emergencynotification content. The device can be located in a fixed or mobilelocation.

Still further provided is a system for disseminating emergencynotification content from an emergency originating source where thesystem comprises: a first transmission means for delivering theemergency notification content from the emergency originating source toa group of users; and a device corresponding to at least one individualuser from the group of users for receiving the emergency notificationcontent and transmitting a verification. Preferably, the verificationindicates that the emergency notification content has been received.Alternatively, the verification indicates that the emergencynotification content is collaborated.

Still further provided is a system for disseminating emergencynotification content from an emergency originating source where thesystem comprises: a transmission means for delivering the emergencynotification content from the emergency originating source to a group ofusers; and a device corresponding to at least one individual user fromthe group of users for receiving the emergency notification content, thedevice having a memory for storing the emergency notification contentthat has been received. Preferably, the device further comprises a meansfor displaying the emergency notification content from the memory.

Still further provided is a system for disseminating emergencynotification content from an emergency originating source where thesystem comprises: first transmission means for delivering the emergencynotification content from the emergency originating source to at leastone transmitting party; an emergency knowledge database of a set ofusers operatively connected to the at least one transmitting party;means for selecting a subset of users from among the set of users fordissemination of the emergency notification content based on at leastone corresponding entry in the database; and second transmission meansfor directing the emergency notification content from the at least onetransmitting party to a device corresponding to each user from theselected subset of users; the device having a receiving means forreceiving the emergency notification content from the at least onetransmitting party and a display operatively connected thereto fordisplaying the received emergency notification content.

Still further provided is a system for disseminating emergencynotification content where the system comprises: a plurality of devicesfor transmitting feedback data indicative of an environmental parameterto a remote location, each of the plurality of devices being operativelyconnected to at least one sensor for detecting the environmentalparameter; a receiving means at the remote location for receiving thefeedback data from the plurality of devices; means for determiningwhether a dangerous situation has occurred based on the feedback data;means for generating an emergency notification content based on thedangerous situation; means for selecting a subset of users from among aset of users based on the dangerous situation; and transmission meansfor directing the emergency notification content to a devicecorresponding to each user from the selected subset of users.

Still further provided is a system for providing a remote medicalanalysis. The system comprises: a device for detecting at least onemedical parameter of a patient with at least one sensor operativelyconnected thereto, the device further having a first transmission meansfor transmitting data corresponding to the at least one medicalparameter from the device to a remote location; a receiving means at theremote location for receiving the data from the device; means fordetermining a medical analysis based on the data; transmission means fortransmitting the medical analysis from the remote location to thedevice; and a display operatively connected to the device for displayingthe medical analysis to the patient.

Still further provided is a device for displaying emergency notificationcontent to a corresponding user. The device comprises: a receiver forreceiving the emergency notification content from a remote location; anda display for displaying the emergency notification content to thecorresponding user; wherein the device is other than a radio ortelevision. Preferably, the device is selected from a group consistingof a set top box, a computer, a video cassette player, a DVD player, aCD player, a WebTV device, a video game player, a video game controller,a pager, a cellular phone, and a personal digital assistant. Preferably,the device further comprises a GPS transmitter for transmitting a GPSlocation of the device to the remote location. Preferably, the devicefurther comprises means for automatically turning on the device todisplay the emergency notification content when the device is determinedto be off

The display preferably comprises a monitor for displaying a visualreproduction of the emergency notification content. Alternatively, thedisplay comprises a speaker for displaying an audio reproduction of theemergency notification content.

Still further provided is a device for displaying emergency notificationcontent to a corresponding user where the device comprises: at least onesensor operatively connected to the device for detecting at least oneenvironmental parameter; a transmitter for transmitting data from the atleast one sensor to a remote location; a receiver for receiving theemergency notification content from the remote location, the emergencynotification content being at least partly based on the transmitteddata; and a display for displaying the emergency notification content tothe corresponding user. Preferably, the device further comprises meansfor automatically turning on the device to display the emergencynotification content when the device is determined to be off.

Still further provided is a device for informing a patient of a medicalanalysis. The device comprises: at least one sensor operativelyconnected to the device for detecting at least one medical parameter; atransmitter for transmitting data from the at least one sensor to aremote location; a receiver for receiving the medical analysis based onthe data from the remote location; and a display for displaying themedical analysis to the patient.

Still further provided is a device for displaying emergency notificationcontent to a corresponding user where the device comprises: a receiverfor receiving the emergency notification content from the remotelocation; and a transmission means for transmitting a verification.Preferably, the verification indicates that the emergency notificationcontent has been received. Alternatively, the verification indicatesthat the emergency notification content is collaborated. Preferably, thedevice further comprises a GPS transmitter for transmitting a GPSlocation of the device to the remote location.

Still further provided is a device for displaying emergency notificationcontent to a corresponding user where the device comprises: a receiverfor receiving the emergency notification content from the remotelocation; and a transmission means for transmitting a verification.Preferably, the verification indicates that the emergency notificationcontent has been received. Alternatively, the verification indicatesthat the emergency notification content is collaborated. Preferably, thedevice further comprises a GPS transmitter for transmitting a GPSlocation of the device to the remote location.

Still yet further provided is a database useful in disseminatingemergency notification content. The database comprises: a first entrylisting a plurality of users; and at least one second entry listingemergency information useful in directing the emergency notificationcontent to a portion of the users, the at least one second entrycorresponding to each of the plurality of users in the first entry.

Preferably, the at least one second entry comprises a listing of anaddress for each of the plurality of users in the first entry. Thedatabase preferably further comprises a third entry listing ageographical area corresponding to each of the users in the first entry,a known skill corresponding to at least one of the plurality of users inthe first entry, a telephone number corresponding to each of the usersin the first entry, and/or a wireless telephone number corresponding toat least one of the plurality of users in the first entry. Preferably,the wireless telephone number corresponds to a device selected from agroup consisting of a pager, a cellular phone, and a personal digitalassistant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus andmethods of the present invention will become better understood withregard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanyingdrawings where:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the emergency notification contentdelivery system according to the first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a general schematic diagram of the Emergency Feedback andNotification system (hereinafter “the EFAN system”) 100 according to asecond embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the EFAN Device 110;

FIG. 4 is a more detailed systems diagram depicting primary hardwarecomponents of the set-top EFAN device 110;

FIG. 5 is a more detailed systems diagram depicting primary hardwarecomponents of a mobile EFAM Device 110 a;

FIGS. 6(a)-6(c) are a detailed schematic diagram illustrating theset-top EFAN Device 110 integrated into a DBS or digital cable set-topbox;

FIG. 7 illustrates the method 400 for providing emergency notificationthrough EFAM Devices 110;

FIG. 8 illustrates the process 450 of emergency notification occurringfor a local emergency; and,

FIGS. 9(a)-9(c) illustrate respective of two embodiments for themechanism 500 enabling automatic television power-up/turn-on.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a systemand method for delivering, disseminating and viewing/listening(singularly referred to as “displaying”) to emergency information fromCable Television, Direct Broadcast Satellite Systems (DBS), telephone,and Internet connections. In particular, emergency notification contentis streamed or background broadcast on one or more channels to a user'sset top box or personal/business computer where it is either realtimetransmitted, partially cached, or fully cached. The data may also befurther transmitted by any of wired or wireless means to otherrecording/playback and display/listening device.

Although this invention is applicable to numerous and various types ofdevices it has been found particularly useful in the environment of settop boxes. Therefore, without limiting the applicability of theinvention to set top boxes, the invention will be described in suchenvironment. It should be noted that the term “set top box” is broadlydescriptive to any device utilized for the reception and/or transmissionof Cable, DBS Or Internet signals or the information contained withinthose signals. As such the set top box may take the form of a dedicatedconsumer device such as those set top boxes previously, currentlyavailable, and planned from companies such as Pace Micro Technology,Scientific Atlanta, Motorola (General Instruments), and Sagem. Inaddition the set top box and its associated function of Cable, DBSInternet, or Broadcast TV reception and transmission functions may beintegrated with one or more functional devices such as, personalcomputers, VHS player/recorders, TiVo type player/recorders, DVDplayer/recorders, CD player/recorders, Web TV type systems, integratediTV receivers, video game players, video game controllers, integratedremote control stations, and all other forms and manners of integratedhome media systems. Personal and business computers are those as wellknown within the current art including, but not limited to, IBMcompatible personal computers, Macintosh computers, personal digitalassistants, “Palm” handheld devices and other handheld computing devicesincluding emergent handheld personal computers.

Within the present invention the term wireless refers to any method ofcommunication that utilizes radio frequency or infrared communication.Radio frequency communications may be narrowband or spread spectrum, orany combination thereof In addition the wireless connection may be adedicated point to point link between the set top box and the DataPlayor other recording/playback device—or part of a local or wide areanetwork, such as those based upon SWAP—Shared Wireless Access Protocolthat currently operates in the 2.4 GHz band. If in a network topologythe network may be a basic communications network or managed, as in thecase of integrated home networking. In addition the wireless may utilizetraditional, third generation, or derivative forms of cellulartechnology. Wired connections refer to all other means of transferringinformation not contained within the wireless description (for examplecopper wires, fiber optic, coaxial cable, etc.).

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated the emergency notificationcontent delivery system 10 according to a first embodiment of theinvention. As shown in FIG. 1, streamed emergency notification content11 a,b is realtime broadcast, transmitted or otherwise communicated fromone or more emergency notification sources 12 to a Cable TV operator 15,DBS 17 or Internet Service Provider “ISP” 18 at various locations. Theemergency notification content may then be locally stored in memorystorage devices 25, 27 or 28 located at the respective Cable TV, DBSheadend or ISP prior to continuous or periodic transmission to theviewing/listening audience. Preferably, however, the emergencynotification content 111 a,b is realtime transmitted to devicesassociated with the viewing/listening audience. The local storage of theemergency content at the Cable TV, DBS headend or Internet ISP allowscontinuous rebroadcast of the emergency notification content 111 a,bfrom the location without constant retransmission from the emergencyinformation originating source 12 to thereby ensure overall systemreliability. Each of the respective Cable TV, DBS headend or ISPentities is provided with the ability to acknowledge and verify correctreceipt of the emergency notification content to the providing source orsources 12. In an unlikely event that an emergency notification messageis lost by the Cable TV, DBS headend or ISP, the message may be againrequested from the emergency notification content source.

Each of the Cable TV 15, DBS headend 17 or ISP entities 18 arealternately referred to herein as “transmitting party” whichrebroadcasts the emergency notification content to the intended audiencevia an associated media including, but not limited to: cable 30,satellite 33, internet 36, cellular telephone, and plain old telephony38. Preferably, the viewing/listening audience implements devices 40 forreceiving emergency notification messages directly from the respectiveCable TV 15, DBS headend or ISP 18 entities via the associated media.The viewing/listening audience devices 40 include digital or analogcommunications devices, including, but not limited to: the set top box,a computer, a video cassette player, a DVD player, a CD player, a WebTVdevice, a video game player, a video game controller, a pager, acellular phone, and a personal digital assistant. Such devices enablethe display of a visual reproduction of the emergency notificationcontent or otherwise, provide an audio reproduction of the emergencynotification content.

In one embodiment, the local memory storage devices 25, 27 and 28 maycomprise a shared emergency knowledge database including information fordirecting the emergency notification content 111 a,b to at least oneuser from the intended audience based on at least one correspondingentry in the database. Alternately, the emergency notification contentmay be directed to a group of users 40 from the intended audience, allof which have the at least one corresponding entry in the database. Forinstance, the corresponding entry in the database may comprise ageographic location of the at least one user, or the corresponding entryin the database is a skill of the at least one user. The correspondingentry in the knowledge database may be a telephone number and theemergency notification content is directed to the users by cellular orplain old telephony system 38.

As further shown in FIG. 1, each transmitting party 15, 17, 18 isnetworked with or otherwise is enabled to receive communications from a“911” telephonic emergency system 34. The information received by thetransmitting party includes location data identifying a geographiclocation of an emergency. Thus, the emergency notification contentregarding the emergency may be transmitted to users within the specificgeographic location.

In a further embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, a user's device 40 may beequipped with a GPS transmitter 45 for transmitting a GPS location ofthe device 40 from the device directly or indirectly to one or moretransmitting parties such that the emergency notification content isdelivered to only those users having a location within a predeterminedproximity to an emergency for which the emergency notification contentis relevant. The emergency notification system knowledge base andmessaging is utilized to contact those in a specific area based upon aGPS locator integrated into a user's cellular or PDA (personal digitalassistant) device 40. Individuals, whether residents of an area or not,would be notified and offered local instructions to any type ofemergency center or perhaps fallout shelter as necessary.

With more particularity, each of the devices 40 associated with theintended users includes a memory 52 for storing the emergencynotification content, and a display device 53 for displaying theemergency notification content upon the activation of the device, forexample. The device may be further provisioned with a device forpermitting the user of the device to request specific information fromthe emergency notification content and, a device (not shown) forsearching the stored emergency notification content for the requestedspecific information. In this manner, only the requested specificinformation would be displayed to the user. Besides permitting the userof the device to request specific information from the emergencynotification content, it may further notify the emergency originatingsource of the request, and search the emergency notification content forthe requested specific information so that only the requested specificinformation is delivered to the user. The device further comprises amechanism for automatically turning on the device to display theemergency notification content when the device is determined to be off.

Emergency notification data is processed by processors 29 located at theCable TV, DBS headend or Internet ISP entities so that it may betargeted according to known geographic and spatial location of a groupor individual users in accordance with the information included in theemergency knowledge base. For example, in the case of the recenthorrific terrorist attacks on New York City, individual households andbusiness within lower Manhattan would be able to receive custom tailoredmessages. Those local to the disaster may be given directions forescape, while those that are outside the immediate danger zone may betold to remain calm and indoors so as not to impede the expedientarrival of emergency equipment and personnel to the disaster location. Afurther differentiation may be done directly to households within thesame building—for example based upon the knowledge of the disaster orthreat, proper exit instructions may be given—for example thosehouseholds on the upper floors of a building may be directed to the rooffor egress by helicopter as methods of escape are blocked below, whereasthose on lower floors may be directed to the appropriate exits.

Furthermore, the emergency notification data may be processed accordingto the knowledge base and directed to households and/or individualsbased upon known skills. For example, again the case of the recent WorldTrade Center Terrorist Attacks, Off Duty New York City Fire and Policewithin a given geographic local may be called to report to specialoperations centers. These messages might receive the highest priorityand most frequent presentation to their respective households, andreceive a somewhat lower priority to other households.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the knowledgeprocessing base is integrated within a current 911 telephonic emergencysystem infrastructure 34. That is, emergency calls into the 911 systemwill identify a caller's location and this knowledge may be integratedinto the emergency notification knowledge base and processing system,thereby adding in geographic or household targeting of emergencycontent. Calls into the 911 system may be further processed based uponthe known emergency and an immediate automated response provided. Thisfirst level will filter out those calls that are “generic” orrepetitious in nature, allowing 911 system operators to focus on thosecallers with new information or specific emergency needs.

The emergency notification system knowledge base and messaging system isfurther programmed to initiate telephone calls, via the Plain OldTelephone System (POTS) 38, those affected by the current emergency withan automated message directing them to further sources of emergencynotification content, (for example Cable, DBS, Internet, Radio,Broadcast TV). Based upon the ubiquitous and pervasive presence of bothPOTS 38 and Cellular Phone Systems, represented by a base station 39 inFIG. 1, a much greater percentage of a given audience may be contactedand notified. The emergency notification system knowledge base andmessaging system is further programmed to initiate a “page” to all ofthose affected by the current emergency with an automated messagedirecting them to further sources of emergency notification content,(for example Cable, DBS, Internet, Radio, Broadcast TV). This isespecially critical for emergency responses personnel and those withspecial skills required in case of emergency.

In accordance with the first embodiment of the present information, bothgeneric and/or targeted emergency content is locally stored with theviewer listener household or business for viewing/listening uponviewing/listening device activation. This may be stored locally in a settop box or computer system after receipt of transmission from a Cable,DBS, Internet or Broadcast TV signal with the emergency contentcontained therein. As before the set top box may take the form of adedicated consumer device such as those set top boxes previously orcurrently available. In addition the set top box and its associatedfunction of Cable, DBS Internet, or Broadcast TV reception andtransmission functions may be integrated with one or more functionaldevices such as, personal computers, VHS player/recorders, TiVo typeplayer/recorders, DVD player/recorders, CD player/recorders, Web TV typesystems, integrated iTV receivers, video game players, video gamecontrollers, integrated remote control stations, and all other forms andmanners of integrated home media systems. Personal and businesscomputers are those as well known within the current art including, butnot limited to, IBM compatible personal computers, Macintosh computers,personal digital assistants, “Palm” handheld devices and other handheldcomputing devices including emergent handheld personal computers. Thelarge memory buffers contained within many of these devices can beutilized for storage of the emergency notification content.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the emergencycontent notification filter is performed with the local set top box orcomputer within the household or business. Full or partially targetedemergency content is received by the set top box or computer where acontent filtering system displays only relevant information.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the emergencycontent notification filter is performed with the local set top box orcomputer within the household or business. Full or partially targetedemergency content is received by the set top box or computer where acontent filtering system prioritizes the information, optionallythresholds it based upon relevancy, and displays it a frequency orperiodicity optimal for the intended viewers/listeners.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the emergency contentnotification filter is utilized in conjunction with devices intended toassist the disabled or physically challenged. Emergency contentfiltering is performed with the local set top box or computer within thehousehold or business in conjunction with optimal reformatting for theassist device. Full or partially targeted emergency content is similarlyreceived by the set top box or computer where a content filtering systemprioritizes the information, optionally thresholds it based uponrelevancy, and displays it at a frequency or periodicity optimal for theintended disabled viewers/listeners.

In yet another embodiment an interactive inquiry/response system isutilized to request specific information from the emergency informationcontent. Since the amount of content often exceeds a human's ability toview/listen and process, the information is locally stored within theset top box or computer. The information may be also remotely storedcontent and accessed via the Cable Back Channel, Internet or CableModem, Telephone, or other method of communication.

In yet another embodiment a menu driven inquiry/response system isutilized to request specific information from the emergency informationcontent. The emergency notification content may be locally or remotelystored.

In yet another embodiment an acknowledgement system is put in place tonotify the transmitting party (Cable, DBS, Internet, Broadcast TV) thatthe emergency information content has been correctly received or tore-request information. If acknowledgement is not received on a timelybasis it may be automatically retransmitted.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention a viewer listeneracknowledgement is integrated within the present 911 systems or anyother means of emergency command and control stations or centers. Inthis scenario the intended viewer listener notifies the transmittingparty, 911 system, or any other emergency command and control station orcenter that the emergency information has been received.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention a method of signalingis utilized by the emergency notification broadcaster to turn-on aviewing or listening device and set the operational controls to a statesufficient to catch the attention of any viewers/listeners within thehousehold, business, or other local. For example, with cable type settop boxes an AC outlet is often provided for TVs and other appliances.Since TVs and other display/listening devices often default toacceptable operating levels the cable box can simply power-up the TVwhich is always left in an on-state. Control functions may also beintegrated with wireless (infrared) remote controls and other suchdevices currently in use.

In yet another embodiment future enhancements to set top boxes,computers, radios and other playing/listening/recording devices mayallow for remote emergency notification command/control where anactivation message turns on the appropriate appliances and commands theminto a known, appropriate state. This feature is a highly desirableselling feature for new set top box, computer, and consumer appliancemarketers. In yet another embodiment of the present invention surveyinformation is filled out and provided to the Cable, DBS, Internet,Broadcast TV, Radio or other emergency content transmitter for use in aremote emergency content knowledge base and processor. Alternately,survey information may be filled out and stored locally in the set topbox or appliance for use in a local emergency content knowledge base andprocessor. Further, survey information may be filled out and provided tothe Cable, DBS, Internet, Broadcast TV, Radio or other emergency contenttransmitter for use in a local emergency content knowledge base andprocessor on a download/upload basis.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the prestoredinformation on a local set top box or computer for emergencynotification is activated for viewing/listening. For example emergencyegress plans for leaving locations near nuclear power plants may bedisplayed upon appropriate activation by the Cable, DBS, Internet,Broadcast TV, Radio or other emergency content transmitter for moreprompt notification.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the emergency contentutilizes headers for identification of data in routing, for processingby remote and local emergency knowledge bases, and for routing emergencynotification content to individual viewers/listeners.

It should be noted that according to the first embodiment of theinvention, a methodology is provided for broad notification to a wideaudience, with personalized targeted specific targeted messages to allviewers. For example, it is quite feasible to reach 500,000 to millionsof viewers with 10K byte messages in minutes or less. It should befurther noted that the system, as described is capable of verifying theresponse and status from each household to ensure the welfare andsafekeeping of all individuals notified by the emergency notificationsystem.

The system described in accordance with the first embodiment of theinvention depicted in FIG. 1 may be enhanced with a data collectionsystem in which discretely addressable devices at locations such ashomes, businesses and vehicles are equipped with the ability to sense atleast one environmental/physical measurement, initiate an alertnotification at that sensor location when applicable, and transmit dataindicative of the measurement to a host facility (host computer) which,in turn, is in communication with various governmental agencies, localemergency personnel, or medical facilities, and the like. The data isthen used to both tailor an appropriate emergency notification messageand deliver that message in the manner as described herein. Such anenhanced system is referred to herein as the Emergency Feedback andNotification (EFAN) system. The discretely addressable devices atlocations such as homes, businesses and vehicles equipped with sensor(s)are referred to herein as EFAN devices.

FIG. 2 illustrates a general schematic of the EFAN system 100 accordingto a second embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 2, a pluralityof EFAN devices 110 provided at selected locations such as residentialhomes 102, office buildings 104, stores, etc., are equipped with atleast one sensor for detecting at least one environmental measurementand, more preferably, equipped with an array of sensors for detecting aplurality of environmental measurements. Such measurements may includetemperature (e.g., either high or low extremes), radiation (e.g.,neutron and high energy nuclear particles), toxic chemicals and gases(e.g., industrial chemicals and military gases such as Sarin),biohazards, gases (e.g., carbon monoxide, methane, propane or naturalgas), smoke, water and air quality, humidity, shock (from a blast, atornado, or earthquake) and pressure. Many of the sensors necessary todetect these parameters are known in the art and are preferably includedin the device, on the device, or external to the device, for instancemounted to a wall, ceiling, or in the plenum of a heating, ventilationand air conditioning system, at an appropriate place, and communicatewith the EFAN device by a wired or wireless link. The sensors in thedevice are preferably part of an air intake and sampling system havingan array of sensors in direct contact with an airflow stream inside thedevice or within an intake tube driven by a small fan. In a preferredembodiment, the EFAN devices 110 are capable of gathering localconditions at a site with sensors that measure, for example, temperature(fire), acceleration (explosion), radiation or other toxic gases and,are enabled to transmit the data to remote locations by datacommunication links 115 such as cable, telephone, satellite, RFtransmission and cellular communication systems. Preferably, EFANDevices 110 process this information for factors such as magnitude orrate of change, and convey this information via links 115 to a HostFacility 120 when thresholds are reached or when instructed tocommunicate data by the Host Facility. Host facilities are depicted inFIG. 2 as the local 120 EFAN data collection and processing facilitieswhere the data is processed in the manner as will be explained.

As will be explained in greater detail herein, the EFAN device 110 ispreferably an interactive television set-top box that receives cableand/or satellite transmissions, or resides in televisions or vehicles.In the description of certain preferred embodiments herein, the terms“set-top box” and “interactive set-top box” are used to refer to thepreferred form of these EFAN devices. In other embodiments, the EFANdevice 110 may be incorporated in a personal computer, a cellular phone,personal data accessory (PDA), or a radio. The EFAN device may be fixedin a structure such as a residence, commercial building or in a mobilevehicle, such as an automobile, boat, or airplane.

More specifically, central blanket broadcasting to units in houses mayfurther be accomplished by satellite (DBS) 109, cable, TV, radio or anyelement of the emergency broadcast network 10 of FIG. 1. Headersprovided on messages and filters in EFAN Devices 110 restrict display ofmessages to appropriate clients. Back-channels (POTS or cell phone) 115permit responses or sensor information from selected houses to becommunicated back to a “host facility” which may include local 120,regional 130 or national 140 EFAN sites. Each host facility is a centraldata compilation and processing station programmed to monitor datatrends and assess emergency situations. Responses to emergency orgeneral messages are sent by the appropriate central stations to ablanket cable or broadcasting system 109 via an uplink facility 105 forDBS. As is understood, the system 100 also functions with conventionalcable broadcasting with emergency notification information delivered tothe cable head end (not shown). Messages 108 to be communicated toindividuals or groups of households 102 via blanket broadcasting system109 are transmitted along with a description of the intended households.Messages 108 may be information for immediate communication, informationto be stored by an EFAN Device 110 for later display or, control signalsthat instruct the set-top box unit when or under what conditions itshould communicate via the back channels 115 with host facilities 120.Filter devices provided in each household set-top box receiver allowselection of messages only intended for specific households at specificlocations (e.g., eastern Virginia) or, specific households based onprofiles (e.g., National Guardsmen, doctors, elderly) that receivemessages with headers that match their filters. Messages may also beencoded by encoding device 155 to prevent unauthorized persons fromreceiving a particular message. Each header and message is sent indigital form to a satellite uplink facility 105 (or to other selectedblanket broadcasting systems such as the NWR (National Weather Radio) orradio stations) and are blanket broadcast by that broadcasting facility109 to all EFAN Devices 110. Each Device 110 communicates appropriatemessages to members of the household, e.g., by the household'stelevision.

As information is collected at host facilities 120, 130 and 140,operators, or automatic analysis systems provided at the central datacompilation and processing station, analyze trends and coordinate withlocal emergency services, e.g., a fire company, or pass this informationto regional centers or, pass additional messages to the units withintheir area either by high or low bandwidth channels in accordance withthe techniques of the emergency notification content delivery system ofthe invention described herein with respect to FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, each Device 110 includes a high bandwidth input thatmay comprise a DBS, a TV or a cable receiver 1101 and, a lower bandwidthbackchannel comprising a POTS or cell phone link 115 to a central datacompilation and processing station (host facility 120, 130, 140). Theunit both displays messages (video, audio or text) received via the highbandwidth input or triggered from memory via the monitor or TV device1103. The EFAN Device 110 receives data in the following manner: 1) viauser input, e.g., wirelessly such as provided by IR remote device 1102;and, 2) via sensor devices 1104. Upon command or, upon detection of analert condition, the data and information it contains, or a processedform of this information may be sent to a central data compilation andprocessing station.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3, each EFAN device 110 further includesboth non-volatile storage 1106 (e.g., a hard disk) for accumulation andtemporary storage of sensor data, profile filters or messages, and, amicroprocessor 1108 to control the flow of data through the system. TheEFAN device includes high bandwidth receivers and antennas 1101 forreception of messages or control commands and sensors 1104 formonitoring local environmental or other physical conditions. As will bedescribed in greater detail, sensor devices may include, but are notlimited to: radiation or chemical sensors, e.g., for detectingradiations levels or to track the plume of a local leak, particlesensors (e.g., for detecting smoke), temperature sensors (for detectingfire or freezing conditions), accelerometers (for detecting earthquakeor bomb explosion) or, photometers for sensing ambient or local lightlevels. In further view of FIG. 3, household members preferably receiveinformation via a TV set or like display monitor connected to the device1103. The TV may be turned on and have it's channel adjusted by thedevice 110. The handheld IR remote 1102 enables user input via ITV andby related methods known in the art. The back channel allows the deviceto communicate its gathered information to the host facility onpre-arranged schedules, upon request or upon a sensor measurementparameter exceeding some threshold.

FIG. 4 is a more detailed systems diagram depicting primary hardwarecomponents of the set-top EFAN device 110. As shown in FIG. 4, a cableor DBS signal 1081 is converted to a digital bitstream by a front endreceiver 202. The system microprocessor 1108 selects packets out ofcable/DBS bitstream for normal decompression, monitors bitstream foralerts, monitors EFAN receiver for alert, and communicates characters,during an alert condition, to character generator 215 and modulator 217for synthesizing voice signals to be amplified by amplifier 220. Morespecifically, the device microprocessor 1108 examines the headers ofeach message or data packet, appropriately responds to control commandsin the packet or, forwards the packet contents to a decompression engineand either stores the packet in memory for future use or discards thepackets that do not conform to the current channel or EFAN device. Theoutput of the decompression engine may additionally be sent to aconventional TV. Information may be stored in a flash memory or, aconventional hard drive. The microprocessor 1108 additionally receivesinformation from sensors 1104 whose output may be in digital form, suchas the Dallas one-wire temperature sensor series or, may be in analogform with appropriate analog to digital conversion being performedinternal or external to the microprocessor 1108. In addition tostreaming bits, the microprocessor 1108 may additionally generate textor speech messages, or images required for ITV use of the system. Themicroprocessor also operates and sends and receives messages through thebackchannel 115 via a conventional POTS modem 208 or like interfacedevice. An NWR (National Weather Radio) 162 MHz receiver 210 optionallyprovides redundant emergency alerts signals or other information to thesystem. Interactive TV functions provide users with the ability toselect and display information needed to cope with an emergency such asdetailed maps, descriptions of safety measures to be taken, or evencopies of messages sent previously before the user was present. Userinteractive selections and choices are communicated to the device 110from the handheld IR remote 1102 much like the remote used for TVsystems. In the future it is likely that the interactive functions maybe communicated to the device by means of voice recognition technology.The device 110 additionally includes an internal speaker 212 to functionas both an alarm and provide output to a user in the event their TV ormonitor display capability is damaged or inoperable. Speech may besynthesized by the microprocessor. The device is powered by rechargeablebatteries allowing reception and communication of emergency informationin the event that AC power is lost. Microprocessor 1108 additionally isprogrammed to manage the storage of unviewed or ITV verbal material andinitiate authenticating and decrypting functions when necessary.

FIG. 5 is a more detailed systems diagram depicting primary hardwarecomponents of a mobile EFAM Device 110 a for use in automobile or, othervehicles. As shown in FIG. 5, the NWR receiver 210 provides all incomingemergency information, which may be augmented by satellite or RFreception as available in modem automobile sound systems. This portableEFAN device 110 a may additionally include a GPS receiver 225 to providespecific information about current position of the automobile either forthe purpose of filtering only headers that apply to the automobile'sexact location, such as a notification of proximity to a nuclear plant,or, to communicate the automobile's position to EMS management teamsusing data from the sensor system, for example radiation orelectromagnetic pulse signatures. Back channel communication from thedevice 110 a to a host facility may additionally be accomplished viacellular radio or an RF link. The microprocessor 1108 monitors the NWRreceiver 210 for alert, and communicates during alert includingsynthesizing voice, conducting modem communications through a cell or RFconnection and, communicating with the handheld remote 1102.

FIGS. 6(a)-6(c) are a detailed schematic diagram illustrating theset-top EFAN Device 110 integrated within a standard DBS or digitalcable set-top box 300. As shown in FIGS. 6(a)-6(c), the variouscomponents include: a digital input (linear broadcast and data) via RFcoax 301; an RF Tuner 302 (second tuner for multi-tuner applicationssuch as PVR); a QAM Demodulator 303 (i.e., as satellite is usuallymodulated using QPSK—a QPSK demodulator will be required for satelliteapplication); an NTSC decoder 304 is required to support reception ofanalog channels from cable systems; a Stereo signal decoder 305; anMPEG2 transport layer and decoding unit 306; an analog descrambler 307for support of scrambled, analog broadcast signals; a Vertical BlankingInterval decoder 308—for data encoded in analog signals such as closecaptioning and low-bandwidth data; an Out-of Band Receiver 309 forreceiving RF data over an alternate (out-of band) frequency; an Out-ofBand Transmitter 310 for transmitting RF data over an alternate (out-ofband) frequency; a Media Access Controller 311—enabling point-to-pointaccess to each customer STB; a DOCSIS modem 312 for enabling Cable‘internet’ access from the STB to CMTS (cable modem termination systems)at the cable and/or satellite head-end and providing high-speedpoint-to-point access to each customer STB; a Telephone modem 313 forenabling POTS (plain-old telephone) access from the STB to cable and/orsatellite STB and providing ‘low-to-medium’ speed access to eachcustomer STB; a DSL modem 314 for enabling Digital subscriber linkaccess from the STB to cable and/or satellite head-end via DSL telecommprovider facilities and providing high-speed access to each customerSTB; an Insulated/Shielded Transponder 315; Data 316 from analog anddigital broadcasts is made available to the CPU for applicationprocessing; an AC-3 decoder 317 for receiving encoded AC-3 stereocontent and generating digital/baseband audio output; an MPEG-2 decoder318 for extracting MPEG-2 audio/video and data and, additionallyprocesses any graphics overlays generated via broadcast or STBapplication; a secure microprocessor 319 for support of descramblinganalog audio/video and VBI data; a RAM 320 used by graphics decoder; anNTSC encoder 321 for creating analog video output from the STB; an IEEE1394 or ‘Firewire’ interface 322 for receiving/transmitting audio/videosignals; an RF modulator 323 for producing RF (coax) output ofaudio/video signals; a power source 324 including an uninterruptiblepower supply; a ROM 325 providing read only memory with storeddata/programs; a FLASH memory 326 which can be ‘flashed’ to changecontents and is capable of being changed by cable/satellite operator asneeded; an NVRAM memory 327 which retains settings acrosspower-down/power-up and, can be changed by the STB application; a RAMmemory 328 which does not retain settings at device power-down/power-up,and used by STB and STB applications for storing temporary data; the CPU329 which is the primary STB processor; a Slot 330 for connecting DVD/CDdevices; a Hard drive 331 used for storing long term audio, video anddata; Speaker 332 for providing audible signals to the customer; aMag/Optical/Smart-Card Swipe mechanism 339 providing capability fortransacting credit-card commerce via the EFAN set-top box, and forrecognizing and identifying users having identification badges or thelike; and, an Internal array 333 of sensors. As shown in FIGS.6(a)-6(c), the internal array sensors in the device 110 are preferablypart of an air intake and sampling system 335 having an array of sensorsin direct contact with an airflow stream inside the device or within anintake tube driven by a small fan.

It should be understood that very few additional components are requiredto provide EFAM capability to a set-top box: notably, sensor inputs and,in one example, and an optional NWR receiver. A set-top box variationprovides a more robust back channel through the use of a shielded RF orcellular transponder 315. Preferably, the EFAN device 110 has a numberof I/O ports 340 and interfaces 350 available for the addition of remoteand surface mounted sensors 1104 whether available now, or in thefuture.

The range of commercially available sensors 1104 that might be connectedto an EFAM Device 110 include: sensors internal to the EFAM Device 110such as barometric pressure, acceleration or temperature, or remotesensors located outside of the EFAM Device such as a smoke or carbonmonoxide sensor located remote from the EFAM Device, e.g., in a locationwhere smoke would more likely be detected. Connections between theDevice and sensors are accomplished through conventional connections,wired communication protocols or wireless protocols. The range ofsensors at a particular location could be included as standard oroptional parts of the EFAM Device. For example, all Devices might have aradiation sensor, but only some devices may be provided with an IRsensor and emitter pair functioning as an intrusion or burglar detectionalarm. In certain other situations, special robust sensors may be usedto collect data that can be used to analyze emergency situations afterthey have occurred such as pressure lows during a tornado or peaktemperatures during a fire. Communications to the EFAM Device may bestandardized allowing transmission of common medical parameters such asblood sugar level or electrocardiograms from appropriate pulmonary orelectrocardiogram sensor inputs.

In one embodiment of the present invention, hardened sensors andcommunications systems are utilized at some or all of the sensinglocation within the Emergency Feedback and Notification System 100. Forexample, a simple high temperature sensor and transmitter (or otherelectronics), preferably fabricated from wide energy bandgapsemi-conductor material such as silicon carbide, GaN, GaN fabricatedepitaxial layers grown on silicon carbide, InGaN or InGaN fabricated onGaAs, aluminum nitride, and GaN deposited on Si (each with or withoutappropriate buffer layers), or, in certain embodiments, devicesfabricated in Si or GaAs, and may be housed in a temperature hardenedpackage within the set-top box. Additionally, gallium arsenide, whichhas a wider band gap and a higher electron mobility than silicon, may beused to fabricate the transmitter or components thereof to provide ahigher temperature capability than silicon and can also provide, becauseof its piezoelectric properties, a substrate capable of on-chip smallacoustic wave (SAW) sensors capable of detecting volatile organiccompounds, explosives and other chemical agents. The temperature sensorsmay be fabricated utilizing high temperature resistors, capacitors, wideband gap semiconductor materials or high temperature light emittingdevices coupled to high temperature light detecting devices. This devicecan be independently powered by a long life, high temperature battery,capacitor, or other energy storage device. If the set-top box can nolonger transmit or receive acknowledgment of its transmission, an RF,cellular or other link may be employed. Alternately, these other linksmay be employed as the primary means of transmission or as a redundantmeans.

Hardening may also be performed against other environmental factorsusing the sensor and transmitter materials discussed above. In anotherembodiment of the present invention the sensor/transmitter assembly ishardened against one or more nuclear effects such as latch-up, transientdose, total dose, and electromagnetic pulse. Additionally, because ofthe more global nature of these types of threats these types of sensorsmay also be distributed geographically. Hardening against otherenvironmental factors is also possible including wide temperaturevariations, shock, acceleration, vibration, and mechanical damage. Thesensors used with the devices of the present invention may be anysensors now known or later developed that measure or detectenvironmental parameters.

With respect to preferred types of sensor devices 1104 that arecompatible with the EFAN system, the following sensor devices will nowbe described. The following discussion of sensors is given by way ofexample only and not to limit the scope or spirit of the presentinvention.

Remote chemical sensors may be implemented for detecting vapors ofvarious kinds, including household gases (methane, propane, carbonmonoxide), organic contaminants (volatile organic compounds or VOCs),and chemical warfare agents. One example of a small, solid state sensor1104 that may be used to detect a variety of gases is the TGS sensormarketed by Figaro USA Inc. These sensors use a thick metal oxide film(typically SnO₂) as the sensing element. Upon heating, the sensoradsorbs oxygen at the grain boundaries. When gas (other than oxygen) ispresent, the resistance of the metal oxide film is reduced by adsorptionof reducing gas at the grain boundaries of the film, which lowers theelectrical potential barrier. The resistance R (which is the range of1-10 kΩ), depends upon the gas concentration C as R=AC_(−α), where A andα are constants. This relationship is reliable over ranges of gasconcentration from approximately 300 ppm to 30,000 ppm, depending on thegas. Load resistances for readout of the signal should be in the range1-10 kΩ, with optimum sensitivity obtained when load and sensorresistance are equal. The sensor is to be incorporated in a simpletemperature-compensated comparator circuit or microprocessor. The outputvoltage for such a circuit would typically be in the range of 1-5 V, anda preset signal level may be used to activate an alarm circuit. Thesensors are stable over times of between one and two years, if aconstant heater voltage is maintained and water condensation is limitedto the light condensation to be expected in an indoor environment. Thesensor element (with encapsulated heater) is 9 mm in diameter and 8 mmin height. Sensors calibrated for propane, methane, hydrogen, carbonmonoxide, carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide,alcohol/toluene/xylene, and other VOCs are available.

Another example of small, solid state gas sensors that could be used inthis application is the Cyranose 320 developed by Cyrano Sciences. It isbased upon a sensor technology called polymer composite sensors that hasbeen licensed from the California Institute of Technology. It includesan array of 32 sensors, each of which consists of a pair of electricalcontacts that are bridged by a composite film. Typically the film foreach sensor is made of a composite of a non-conducting polymer andconductive carbon black particles. When the film absorbs vapor analytesand swells, the conductive pathways in the film are broken and theresistance of the composite film changes. The change in resistancebetween the electrical contacts is used as the output of the sensor.Since each sensor in the array contains a unique polymer, there will bea reproducible combination of resistances or “smellprint” for each vapormixture. Polymers with a range of properties were chosen so that thesensor array could be used to distinguish many different types ofvapors. The organic compounds are identified using data analysisalgorithms such as principal component analysis (PCA) for detection ofoutliers and K-nearest neighbor (KNN), Soft Independent Modeling ofClass Analogy (SIMCA), Fisher Linear Discrimination (FLD) and CanonicalDiscriminant Analysis (CDA) for model building and predictions. Typicaldetection limits are 0.1% of an analyte's vapor pressure, whichtranslates to a detection limit of 74 ppm for ethanol, but only 0.5 ppmfor nonanalytes.

Another similar sensor technology under development at Sandia NationalLaboratory, which consists of a large array of chemical sensors withresponses interpreted using a pattern-recognition algorithm, maydiscriminate a variety of chemicals. Chemiresistors, which changeresistance when exposed to a gas or vapor, are low-cost devices that maybe easily implemented in a sensor array 333. These devices includeinterdigitated electrodes coated with a conducting polymer film.Development scientists at Sandia are examining a number ofpolymer/conductive particle combinations as chemiresistor materials.These sensors utilize arrays of chemiresistors based on species-specificpolymer films that provide real-time, in situ analysis of VOCs.

The Small Acoustic Wave (SAW) sensors being developed at Sandia NationalLaboratories is another example of a solid state sensor. The SAW deviceis an extremely sensitive gravimetric detector that may be coated with afilm to collect chemical species of interest. Based on these devices,sensor systems have been developed that may detect trace (ppm to ppb)levels of airborne contaminants. One approach to realizing aminiaturized, low-cost sensor system is to construct on-chip acousticsensors—providing high gravimetric sensitivity—and combine these withon-chip control electronics. The piezoelectric and semiconductingproperties of gallium arsenide (GaAs) substrates enable surface acousticwave sensors to be constructed with on-chip control electronics. Workingwith Sandia's Compound Semiconductor Research Laboratory (CSRL),development scientists have constructed SAW sensors on GaAs that operatebetween 100 and 450 MHz. Development of the on-chip control electronicsis currently under way.

Another example is the Integrated Acoustic Chemical Sensor, whichconsists of a micro-machined flexural plate (FPW) wave device (with achemically-sensitive film)and serves as a general purpose chemicalsensing platform. These devices are analogous to the SAW sensor, but maybe fabricated on silicon and integrated with microelectronics. Potentialapplications include detecting volatile organic compounds, explosives,illicit drugs, and chemical warfare agents.

Methods of environmental sensing of hazardous biological species such asbacteria are not yet as well developed as for chemical sensors. However,some highly promising technologies have been proven, and may beadaptable in the near future for use in hazard monitoring. Amultifunctional “biochip” developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory andlicensed to HealthSpex may detect the presence of the tuberculosisbacterium, the anthrax bacterium used in biological warfare, andEscherichia coli found in contaminated food. The device consists of aseries of miniature cantilevers (produced using semiconductor processingtechnology) that are coated with a layer of molecules that chemicallybind to the biohazard target. The binding of the target entity causes abending of the cantilever, which may be detected optically using a smalldiode laser and a photosensor. Such devices have not yet been madefunctional for airborne hazards, but the technology is under furtherdevelopment.

A related technology developed at the Univ. of Wisconsin uses liquidcrystal molecules loosely bound to receptor molecules. In the absence ofa contaminant, the liquid crystal orientation is controlled by itsbinding to the receptor. When a contaminant is introduced, it bindsstrongly to the receptor and the liquid crystal molecules are released,changing the optical properties of the sensor. A light source (such as asmall diode laser) and a photosensor may provide the signal indicatingthe presence of the biohazard.

Ionizing radiation is generally of four types: alpha particles (⁴Henuclei), beta particles (high-energy electrons), gamma rays (high-energyphotons), and neutrons. All may be produced by radioactive decay ofnuclei, and all are capable of producing harm to humans.

Neutron and gamma-ray sensing may be accomplished using flexible fiberoptic sensors developed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)and licensed to Canberra. These fibers are made of a neutron- orgamma-scintillating glass, and detection is accomplished by monitoringthe light produced in the fiber with a conventional photodetector. Thesignal size discriminates between neutrons and gamma rays, and thesignal rate indicates the dose rate. A single fiber or multiple fibersmay be used, depending on the expected dose rate. Because the fibers areflexible, they may be deployed in multiple locations such as in windowframes.

Ionizing radiation of all kinds may be detected using the FET-basedradiation sensor developed at Sandia National Laboratory and at the NMRCin Ireland. The radiation-sensitive field effect transistor (RadFET)uses a gate oxide/nitride layer to permanently trap holes generated byionizing radiation. This results in a shift in threshold voltage thatindicates the total radiation dose received. The rate of thresholdvoltage shift indicated the dose rate. Typical operating currents areapproximately 10 μA. Devices with radiation sensitivities of >85 mV/radhave been demonstrated using stacked devices, with pre-irradiationoutput voltage of <5V possible. A simple alarm circuit may beconstructed to be triggered when a preset dose is accumulated. Acoarse-resolution radiation spectrometer has been constructed fromarrays of RadFETs with metal filters that pass different energies.

Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed ahigh-sensitivity Ge detector that is capable of identifying the energysignatures of various types of radiation at the sub-picocurie level. Lowconcentrations of specific elements or radioactive isotopes may then beeasily identified. The laboratory is seeking industrial collaborators tocommercialize such low-level radiation detectors.

Other technologies that may be adapted for this use have been developedin the context of elementary particle physics. The development of sensormodules for measuring elementary particles makes great demands onleading-edge expertise. SINTEF (The Foundation for Scientific andIndustrial Research at the Norwegian Institute of Technology) hasdeveloped a silicon microstrip radiation sensor consisting of 387 stripdiodes that are processed with a pitch of 50 nm on a silicon chip. Whenan elementary particle strikes the sensor, a charge pulse occurs in thechannels which are closest to the strike point. Similar technology couldbe used to detect low levels of hazardous radiation.

The COMRAD system developed at Sandia also holds promise for suchapplications. It uses a CdZnTe crystal to perform spectral analysis ofX-rays and gamma rays to identify radioactive species. The deviceoperates at room temperature and requires low enough power that it maybe operated as a hand-held unit. However, limitations in the size of theavailable CdZnTe crystals prevent this device from detecting low levelsof airborne radioactive species at present. Further developments incrystal growth techniques will make this technology more viable forenvironmental monitoring.

Small electronic dosimeters using thin layers of amorphous silicondeposited on p-type high resistivity silicon wafers have been developedin Japan. Detectors of this type may be made sensitive to X-rays, gammarays, neutrons, and beta rays. For the fast neutron sensor, apolyethylene radiator is inserted, so that the silicon sensor acts as arecoil proton detector. The thermal neutron sensor consists of amorphoussilicon on which a boron (B) film is formed in order to detect thermalneutrons by utilizing the B(n,a)Li reaction. Doses as low as 0.01-0.1mSv, and dose rates as low as 0.1 mSv/hr may be detected. Such devices,when employed as personal dosimeters, are typically 90×50×10 mm in size,but if the components were incorporated into a fixed unit, the sizecould be reduced.

Acceleration sensing is important for monitoring of earthquakes,tornadoes, explosions, and other shock-producing events. Smallacceleration sensors are readily available commercially, as a result oftheir wide usage in the automotive industry. One example is produced byEntran, in which the sensor is approximately 3.5 mm square, with anexternal readout module approximately 32 mm long and 4 mm in diameter.Sensitivities range from 15 to 0.05 mV/g over ranges of 5 to 5000 g. Thestandard excitation voltage is 15 V.

Another example is Texas Instrument's Capacitive Acceleration Sensor(CAS), which has a sensitivity of up to 2 V/g over ranges of 1-10 g.Typical supply voltages and currents are approximately 5 V and 10 mA.

Temperature measurement may be accomplished using two different types oftechnologies, both readily available commercially. For temperaturesbelow 0° C. (32° F.) or up to 850° C. (1562° F.), resistance temperaturedetectors (RTDs) are ideal. These sensors consist of a small resistor,usually made of platinum, the resistance of which is a linear functionof temperature. At 0° C., the resistance of a typical such element is100Ω Such sensors typically have dimensions of a few millimeters. Thesensitivity is 0.385 Ω/° C., and accuracies of ±4.6° C. at 850° C. areroutinely available (accuracy is higher nearer to 0° C.). Themeasurement is accomplished with a simple 3- or 4-lead voltagemeasurement under constant current. A current of 100 μA will produce asensitivity of 3.85 μV/° C.

For higher temperatures (up to 3000° C. or 5400° F.), infraredtemperature detectors (pyrometers) are used. Such a sensor converts theamount of infrared radiation emitted by a hot object to an electricalsignal. Because the amount of radiation emitted is determined not onlyby the temperature of the object (via the blackbody radiation spectrum)but also by the emissivity of the material, more accurate readings areobtained by using a test object of known emissivity in thermal contactwith the object of interest. By filtering the radiation to admit onlythat in the wavelength range of 2.1-2.3 μm, enhanced accuracy (to within1° C./2° F.) in the range above 800° C. (1472° F.) may be achieved, withresponse times on the order of one second or shorter. The coupling ofthe light to the sensing element may be accomplished either withconventional optics (lenses and mirrors) or with fiber optics. Suchsensors are available commercially and may be operated at voltages of 10V or less.

The same detector used in pyrometer may be used to detect infraredradiation from other sources. For this application it is necessary tofilter the incoming radiation to eliminate false signals from commonhousehold infrared emitters such as remote control devices. This may beachieved using a simple notch filter or bandpass filter, as mentionedabove. The device may also be used for range finding and motiondetection, by adding a directed source of infrared radiation (such as adiode laser) and filtering the incoming radiation to exclude allwavelengths except the wavelength of the emitter. Motion may be detectedas an interruption in the steady signal returned from a distant target.

Rapid changes in barometric pressure may signal a nearby explosion.These changes may be measured with commercially available transducers,which convert changes in pressure to electrical signals usingmicro-machined silicon sensors. Such units are capable of measuringdifferential pressures of 30 psi (an overpressure of twice atmosphericpressure) with an output voltage of 90 mV. Units with larger or smallerfull-scale differential pressure values are also available. The sensorexcitation voltage is typically 12 V. The response time is limited bythe RC rise time of the load circuit, and may thus be in the range ofmicroseconds. The dimensions of a typical unit are 27×28×26 mm.

For the short wave length portion of the nonvisible spectrum (<290 nm)the emitters may be fabricated from AlN (e.g., epitaxial layers of AlNgrown on MN, SiC and Al₂O₃). These devices may be light emitting diodesor laser diodes. The detectors for light below 290 nm may be fabricatedfrom SiC (preferably 6H SiC), MN, GaN or InGaN.

It should be understood that an EFAN device 110 setup registrationprocess may be initiated to make the device known to the network and toall other devices in the proximity of that device. The setup processincludes, but is not limited to verifying typical identifyinginformation (e.g., physical address, phone number, device identificationnumber, resident profile, etc.). In the case of vehicle installation,similar information is required, however, physical address would bereplaced by a GPS locator/identifier number and cellular phone numberwould replace the POTS number for a residence.

Although not shown in the Figures, the EFAN system 100 additionallyemploys a GPS based, secure communication system, whereby every EFANset-top box and mobile EFAN device for vehicles will transmit, as partof the header information within messages delivered over the EFANnetwork, a discrete location and physical identification of the set-topbox or vehicle sending that transmission. The remote locations receivingthe messages will cross-reference the ID, physical location and timebased elements imbedded in the message, to validate the transmission andprevent unauthorized access on the network. The same technique may beintegrated into any network beyond EFAN where security is an issue(e.g., corporate, government, financial, and personal information), andwould provide a high level of protection to the GOVNET initiative.

FIG. 7 illustrates the method 400 for providing emergency notificationthrough EFAN Devices 110. As shown in FIG. 7, step 402 depicts theissuance of an emergency alert. After a national level decision is madeto send an emergency message to some portion or all of the UnitedStates, the national level host facility 150 (FIG. 2) appliesappropriate headers to messages as depicted at step 405. Then, asdepicted at steps 408, 410, 412, these messages are broadcast over thenotification media including respectively, 109, NWR radio, cable, aswell as conventional radio or TV channels. Header or commands embeddedin the message may request that some or all EFAN Devices 110, portable(Mobile) EFRAN device 110 a or cable EFAN device 110 b confirm receiptof the message. Thus, as depicted at step 415 each of EFAN devices 408,410, 412 optionally transmit confirmation messages to the host facilityat the appropriate level—in this example, nationally. Preferably, allEFAN Devices have a unique identification number so that the lastseveral digits can be used as a filter so that only some portion ofdevices utilize their back channel communication capability. Asindicated at step 420, confirmation receipt messages are received at theHost Facility, and tabulated. Further, at step 425, decisions can bemade to retransmit a message or transmit an alternative message based ona tabulation at the host facility which provides an estimation ofpersons involved in and notified of the emergency alert.

Note that in cases of local emergencies, such as a fire, only localbroadcasting of emergency messages may occur. It is even possible tosend messages just to specific EFAN Devices 110 by using headers thatidentify the identification numbers of specific devices 110. Note thatmessages may be encoded for security, such as all National Guard reportto location xx, or to prevent false messages from being received.

FIG. 8 illustrates the process 450 of emergency notification occurringfor a local emergency based upon the EFAM Device 10 detecting adangerous condition by a measurement sensor. For example, assuming thepresence of smoke due to a house fire at a local residence as indicatedat step 452, the EFAN device smoke sensor 454 will sense the increase ofsmoke and generate a smoke level measurement signal. Then, at step 458,the EFAM Device records this level and compares the level to a presetthreshold. When the smoke level exceeds a first preset limit, or, if theEFAN device determines an alarm or alert condition exists based uponhistorical data stored in the Device's memory, an alarm signal isgenerated at the Device 110 from the Device's internal speaker foralerting the household at step 459. The purpose of the alarm is to alertunaware occupants of the problem allowing them to exit to safety, dealwith the problem or, perhaps, rectify an error in the Device's sensingand decision making process. Further, if smoke levels rise above asecond threshold or trend prediction, the EFAM Device may send an alertto the Host Facility at the local level via the POTS back channel. Atthe host facility, as indicated at step 460, the alert data is analyzed.Automatic decision-making algorithms at the host facility may thenchoose to notify the appropriate emergency management service, e.g., 911emergency service, as indicated at step 463, or, request moreinformation from the EFAN device 110 as indicated at 465. In oneembodiment, the Host Facility may use profile information orconfirmation from other EFAM devices to supplement information knownabout a potential alert condition. Thus, as indicated at step 468, via aPOTS backchannel, the host facility may generate an alert or requestinformation from other EFAM Devices in the same location or building asthe device 110 originating the emergency alert. By having the HostFacility notify a 911 operator rather than directly sending an alert toa local fire department, human judgment may intervene in the sequence ofevents. It should be noted that wireless communication links may be usedwithin a home allowing alarms to be sent to speakers located at otherparts of the house or, for sensors to be placed in other parts of thehouse.

The ability of the EFAN device to automatically initiate turning on ofthe television or display device to present the emergency notificationcontent when the device is determined to be off is now described withrespect to FIGS. 9(a)-9(c). Specifically, FIGS. 9(a) and 9(c) illustraterespective embodiments for the mechanism 500 enabling automatictelevision power-up, i.e., turning on, or television volume and/orchannel change. Assuming the knowledge database of the host facilitymaintains the telephone number of the home residence and the cableservice provider and/or DBS provider and, the type of television setequipped at the home residence, the specific protocol turn-on code forturning on the set and adjusting volume and channels will be known. Thecode may be stored at the EFAN set-top box ROM or downloaded via POTS orstreamed via DBS or cable. In the preferred embodiment, as depicted inFIGS. 9(a) and 9(b), the mechanism 500 includes a circular plastic tagelement having an adhesive backing that may be easily mounted on thetelevision in a manner to surround the remote photodetector 520 of thetelevision 550 as shown in the side view of FIG. 9(b). In an emergency,prior to or during receipt of the alert message and display turn-oncode, the EFAN device 110 will wirelessly transmit, via an RFtransmitter device or an 802.11a or 802.11b wireless transmissionstandard, the code for enabling automatic turn-on, volume or channelchange to mechanism 500. The receiver electronics of the mechanism 500includes circuitry 505 capable of converting the RF transmission 503with the appropriate turn-on codes into IR (infrared) signals capable ofbeing transmitted to the television's photodetector circuit 520.Particularly, a series of IR emitters 515 are provided to transmit thecodes across the tag which are reflected by a lip 525 extendingpartially over the the TV's photodetector mechanism 520. The lip 525 maybe comprised of a metal material suitable for reflecting signals ontothe photodetector 520. In this manner, the turn-on, volume and/orchannel change codes will be received by the TV set so that theemergency message may be automatically presented. In the alternateembodiment, a circular plastic element 500 a is provided for receivingthe turn-on, channel and volume change codes via the EFAN device 110over a wired connection 504. The codes are received at the receiverelectronics 505, which format signals suitable for transmission by theIR emitters 515 to the TV photodetector 520 via the reflective lip 525.

In the preferred embodiment, the EFAN device 110, alone or inconjunction with a host facility that is linked to the device, fusesinformation from different sensors to (1) perform trend analysis; (2)establish relationships between measurements of related parameters; and,(3) compare measurements and relationships to established thresholdlimits. For example, in the context of a residential fire where thedevice at the residence has sensors for smoke, carbon monoxide andtemperature, a trend analysis for each parameter may be performed.Additionally, relationships between sensed levels of smoke and carbonmonoxide may be developed according to stored algorithms. Lastly, themeasurements of the three parameters and the relationships are comparedto established threshold limits.

Where a dangerous situation is indicated, an appropriate communicationis directed to local emergency services and, optionally, neighbors maybe informed of the situation.

The device also preferably has the capability to acknowledge receipt ofthe emergency notification content from the host facility. Thisacknowledgment may go directly back to the host facility where it may bedisplayed and processed for trends and relationships, and comparison toestablished limits (for trends, relationships and measurements). Thehost facility may then send notifications or requests for action to thedevice, all devices in a particular geographic area, and/or to emergencyservices. For instance, in the case where the emergency notification isto evacuate a particular area, the notification may originate from afederal agency, but the acknowledgment may be sent to the local lawenforcement agency that is responsible for supervising the evacuation.The device may also be capable of interaction between the user and thehost facility. For instance, after an acknowledgment is received by thehost facility, questions may be transmitted to the user and the user maythen send back an answer. For instance, if a bomb blast is detected inan area and a notice is sent to the nearby users, after a useracknowledges the receipt of the notice, the host facility may ask theuser if he or she has heard the blast or seen the effects of the blast.The user may send back an affirmative or negative answer regarding thequestion(s) concerning the bomb blast.

In addition to sending a notification, the sensor data may also be usedto develop a record. For instance, a water detector can detect aleak/flood in a home, which would result in a notification to the homeor an emergency contact person designated for that residence, regardingthe potential leak/flood, and the need to turn off the water supply. Inaddition to the water detector, a temperature measurement device mayhave been monitoring a trend indicating that the premises would soondrop below freezing and that there was still water pressure in thelines. In this case the alerts would be issued preemptively as a resultof the temperature drop and the appropriate services or emergencycontact person designated for that residence, would enter the premisesprior to the water pipes rupturing due to the freezing condition. Aswater damages make up the largest percentage of household claims paidout by insurance companies, the EFAN system would reduce the monetarydamages caused by broken pipes and may be capable of shutting off thewater to the house.

In addition to placing the devices in homes and buildings, additionalsupplemental external devices may be placed outdoors, such as in thestreet boxes for cable, telephone, and power that control certainutility services for local (e.g., neighborhood) transmission. The datafrom these supplemental external devices may be transmitted to a remotelocation and used in combination with trend analysis to formulate anappropriate emergency notification to be used in conjunction with thosedevices located in homes and offices.

In one example, the device can detect the temperature in the apartmentof an elderly couple or handicapped person and transmit data back to ahost facility, such as a public health organization or the policedepartment that the temperature is too low and poses a health risk tothe occupants. A local alarm preferably is generated also to warn theoccupants of the dangerous situation. The remote location may directlyor indirectly aid the couple in getting the temperature back to normal.For instance, the couple may have inadvertently forgotten to orderheating oil or the drop in temperature can be due to a mechanicalfailure of the heating system. The remote party can intervene in gettingthe service restored by sending a notification to the heating utility.The notification may also be sent to neighbors or local authorities toaid the occupants by checking on their health or to remove them to asafer location. A feedback may also be provided where the remote partycan remotely adjust the occupants' thermostat. This example is alsoequally applicable to a detection of a dangerous level of carbonmonoxide, methane, propane or natural gas.

In another example, the device can detect an excessive temperature in anumber of apartments in a residential apartment building signifying afire or explosion in the building. The detection of the fire can be bydetecting a temperature above a certain threshold or by detecting atrend, which indicates a fire is probable. An emergency notification maythen be sent to the residents of the building informing them of thenearest routes for leaving the building, as well as to emergency andmedical personnel in the vicinity informing them of the need to respondto the building and the conditions they may likely encounter at thebuilding. An isotherm of the building may also be generated from thedata to inform firefighters and other personal of the source of the fireor explosion and also of the temperatures. The isotherm may be displayedor printed at the firehouse, on the fire truck, on a handheld screen bythe firemen, or even integrated into the firemen's visor. Such a displaycan be updated in real-time or near real-time. Other parameters detectedcan also be plotted in a similar way and delivered to the appropriatethird party, such as an isoradiation plot of a particular geographicvicinity in the case where a cluster of sensors in a certain vicinitydetect higher than normal levels of radiation.

In yet another example, accelerometers in the device can detect a shockindicative of a blast, earthquake, or the touchdown of a tornado. Othersensors can be used to corroborate the finding of the accelerometer,such as a temperature or pressure sensor, which when correlated with theaccelerometer, may be used to decide if a detected shock is the resultof an earthquake or an explosion. The host facility can then inform theappropriate users with an appropriate emergency message. Furthermore,different groups or individuals can be provided with differentcustomized messages. For instance, if it is detected that a tornado hastouched down in a certain vicinity, some people may be notified to leavethe area to the west, others may be notified to leave the vicinity tothe east, while still others may be notified to go to local shelters orinto their basements.

Medical and emergency personnel based in different locations may also begiven different messages.

In yet another example, the detection of carbon monoxide, propane, ornatural gas in a structure would result in a notification to theoccupants of that particular residence to leave the residence and mayalso result in a notification to the utility serving the residence aswell as emergency personnel in the area. As discussed above, a feedbackloop may also be employed to remotely shut off the source of thedetected gas. The notification can be based solely on the detection of aparticular gas or may be based on a trend analysis alone or incombination with data from other sensors such as temperature and smokedetectors.

In another example, devices of the invention may include soundmeasurement sensors that look for particular sound profiles that matchcertain emergency events. For example, a sound measurement sensor maylook for a profile or profiles that correspond to the signature sound ofgunshot(s). A gunshot profile may be characterized by a sound in a knownfrequency range and above a predetermined decibel level. Detection of asound fitting a gunshot profile would initiate the host computerquerying persons at the device location and/or notifying local emergencyservices.

Similarly, the detection of a biohazard in a commercial building canresult in the notification of the tenants of the building to evacuateand may even discriminate between different areas of the building toevacuate the building using different routes. The notification may eveninform the tenants of the proper steps to take to minimize the effectsof the biohazard, for instance to cover their mouths and nose with a wetfabric, or to simply remain inside, closing all windows, doors andheating, ventilation and air conditioning units until professional helpcan arrive to evacuate them safely. The detection would also result inthe notification of government agencies, local law enforcement and localmedical personnel. A notification may also be sent to a local hospitalthat people exposed to a certain biohazard will be arriving. The sensorsfrom a plurality of devices in a common geographical area can be used todetect the expansion of a biohazard plume and to notify those areas inthe direction of the plume accordingly. For instance, vehicles enteringan area where the plume is expected to travel can be warned to turn awayand residents in the area can be told to evacuate or take precautionarymeasures.

In still yet another example, data from weather sensors connected to thedevice can be transmitted by the device and provided to news and/oreducation networks. The data from the sensors can also be used toformulate weather reports or predict weather occurrences such asdangerous thunderstorms approaching a certain area. Residents in thatarea can then be notified of the approaching storms and instructed totake the proper precautions.

Collected data may be utilized to calibrate sensor parameters. Forexample, compensation techniques (analog, digital, or software) may beutilized to calibrate or reduce the effects of sensor or relatedcomponent aging, temperature drift, and stress, along with performancedegradation.

While the amount of localized data processing and storage, alarmthresholds, and other sensor parameters may be pre-set when the deviceis shipped or installed, in certain embodiments these settings may bedynamically changed based upon an evolving threat environment. Forexample, while accelerometer data may be utilized to monitor forearthquakes, the sensor settings may be remotely changed to monitor forlarger “g” events such as bomb blasts and building collapses. In thiscase the gain of amplification system may be decreased against a fixedthreshold, or the threshold may be adjusted to “listen” for a candidateevent. The integration time and data processing time pre-threshold maybe significantly reduced or eliminated if the event occurrence mayendanger or impair the ability of the sensing device to communicate itsfindings.

While the present invention is applicable to any existing or future datacommunications means, the communications architecture may be implementedin a fashion that permits communications and data sharing among localsensing devices in a hierarchical fashion. For example, the firedetection trigger in one unit of a multi-unit dwelling will initiate analert to a host facility, which will enable (turn-on) all sensors withinthat building or neighborhood. Additionally, since various sensorreadings may be periodic (fixed or random duty cycle) and utilize one ormore data checks or internal sensor cross-checks to reduce or eliminatefalse alarms, a message from a local sensor may initiate the alert to ahost facility to command all other sensing location within the buildingto maximum sensitivity, highest frequency or duty cycle of sensing,along with a reduction or elimination of false alarm safeguards toeliminate any undue delays in notification. The message from the localsensor preferably would be transmitted to the host facility, which wouldthen transmit the command to all or a predetermined number of proximatedevices.

A hierarchical transmission of data is employed where local measurementtrend analysis, when compared to established threshold limits, initiatesresident notification and transmission to a host facility. At the hostfacility, the collected data is displayed and processed, using trendanalysis, to establish correlation and trends in comparison to thresholdlimits. Based upon a protocol established for that particular area, atransmission is initiated to proximate locations via query from the hostfacility. The measurements for proximate locations then are processed bythe remote location, using trend analysis and comparison to establishedEFAN system protocols. If, in comparison to established EFAN systemprotocols or by the exercise of judgment of one or more persons, anemergency condition exists, then (i) all areas in proximity to the firstdevice initiating the transmission are notified with a pre-determinedmessage or other message including alarms, and (ii) the remote locationinitiates notification of emergency services and government agencies asdefined by the system protocols or by the exercise of judgment by one ormore persons at the remote location. For example, units within abuilding in which a fire has been detected may all be commanded to aheightened state of alert and notify residents immediately, regionalizednodes in adjacent buildings may also receive the same level ofnotification and commanded alert, somewhat more remote buildings mightreceive a lower level of alert and subdued notification, while datacollection and processing sensors of emergency response authoritiesreceive their appropriate notifications.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention fusion ofmulti-sensor data can occur at different points. Locally, at a givennode (for example a single set-top box) data can be processed toestablish a correlation between readings from accelerometers, pressuretransducers, decimeters, and temperature measurement devices to detectbomb blasts. The ability to distinguish various threats, attacks, andemergencies is of profound benefit. For example, in one embodiment ofthe present invention one or more, (preferably multiple), sensorprofiles are stored in the set-top box. These stored profiles may beupdated periodically to reflect the evolving nature of perceivedthreats. The data collected from one or more sensors is processedagainst the threat profiles to discern if an emergency exists and, tothe extent possible, discern the nature of the emergency so that promptaction may be taken. Localized threat processing may be straightforward,such as establishing a simple threshold, and as sophisticated ascorrelating multi-sensor data over a rolling time period utilizingthreat/data covariance techniques to discern an actual threat from amonga multitude of candidate events, both benign and dangerous. It isanticipated that a mixture of both raw and processed sensor data may betransmitted for analysis and remote data review. Limiting the amount ofunprocessed data has significant benefits in remote data aggregation,review and processing, while raw data enables the use of moresophisticated and robust processing techniques for better analysis. Eachhost facility can communicate with regional or national hosts. Undercertain conditions a device will communicate its message to both itslocal host facility and the regional and/or national host.

For example a routine small kitchen fire may only be applicable to localemergency authorities (e.g., local fire house, police, EMS). However thedata may also be logged at the local center for use at the governmentallevel, such as compiling statistics on home hazards, or for eveninsurance company notification. This might be on a broadcast basis (toall governmental safety agencies), on a subscription basis, or compiledand periodically polled. However, if an alternate threat is detected,such as terrorist biohazard, the alert notification can be triggered atthe regional, state, national, or international level as so desired. Itis anticipated that the occurrence of any event of this nature will bereported instantaneously, although there may be levels of safeguardsbuilt in for validation at one or more levels to prevent false alarms.Further, certain types of data may be restricted based upon a need toknow basis. Thus, each type of threat or alarm event may have one ormore routing tables for notification.

In another embodiment of the present invention, platforms operated bythe government (e.g., the United States government), which includevehicles (manned and unmanned), aircraft (manned and unmanned), ships(surface and submarine, manned and unmanned), satellites and thenation's aircraft control system, collect and transmit measurements anddata to a designated national government location. At this location, themeasurements and data are displayed, so that they are subject to bothautomated analysis and analysis by the authorized person(s) at theremote location. The EFAN system then processes the measurements anddata to establish relationships and trends, and to (A) utilize theanalysis of relationships and trends to compare the measurements anddata against limits established by the EFAN system protocols for thearea that includes the affected location and (B) permit the exercise ofjudgment by authorized person(s) at the remote location. Based upon thisanalysis, the EFAN system provides information or instructions foraction. The nature of such information or instructions and the selectionof the recipients of such information or instructions is determinedeither (A) automatically as established by the EFAN system protocols, or(B) by exercise of judgment by the authorized person(s) at the hostfacility.

In another example, if air traffic control were to detect a planedeviating from its flight plan, the system would cross check thepassenger list from a comprehensive passenger registration/clearancesystem (for example, the system described in commonly owned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/976,836 filed Oct. 12, 2001 entitled SYSTEM ANDMETHOD PERMITTING CUSTOMERS TO ORDER SELECTED PRODUCTS FROM A VAST ARRAYOF PRODUCTS OFFERED BY MULTIPLE PARTICIPATING MERCHANTS AND RELATEDSECURITY APPLICATIONS, the whole contents and disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference), identify if there were anycorrelations between passengers (e.g., relationships, age, past traveldestinations, security issues, international security databases, etc.)immediately transmit that information to a remote location (e.g.,Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Aviation and Air Control, USMilitary and other emergency services) and simultaneously place on alerta plurality of devices to monitor the situation. The types of devicesavailable would be unique to the area of incidence, however typicallythey would include, but not be limited to, fixed position monitoringstations (equipped with fixed based video and fixed based infraredallowing 360° visibility/coverage), military ships stationed inproximity to the incident and military jets on standby for alertnotification). The responsible authorities would continue to try tocommunicate with the aircraft in question, however if all query resultswere negative, the authorities would alert aircraft for visualconfirmation/verification. Continuous monitoring by the fixed stationlocations would supplement the aircraft until they mitigate or eliminatethe threat.

Another example of how the EFAN system would operate during a majornational emergency may be demonstrated in the event of a terroristdetonating an explosive device in a populated city, and that device wereto be attached to a small amount of radioactive material (e.g., enrichedplutonium or spent nuclear fuel), there would be an instant alertgenerated by all set-top box monitors, fixed location monitors andmonitor equipped vehicles in the area. The initial readings wouldmeasure radiation (e.g., alpha, beta, gamma) and EMP (electromagneticpulse) and initiate a transmission to a host facility for notificationto emergency services (e.g., police, fire, local, regional and nationalgovernment locations). Following the established protocols for thespecific region, the host facility(ies) would immediately validate thereadings, and then transmit alert notification to all potentiallyaffected areas, inclusive of residential alarms along with instructionsas to what precautions or evacuation procedures to take. The hostfacility(ies) would also initiate a “record and transmit” request to allmonitors in the region. Within seconds, both on display and print,iso-radiation charts would be generated to identify the source anddetect the plume radius and direction of the radioactive cloud. Thisinformation is automatically transmitted to all emergency services(e.g., Federal Bureau of Investigation, local and regional hospitals)and evacuation notifications are sent to all residents and vehicles inproximity to, or in the intended path of, the cloud. Additional actionswould be taken to secure the public from all access to the impendingthreat, to launch military operations necessary to monitor and controlthe operations and contain the incident. Anyone having been exposed tothe radioactive material would be instructed where to turn for medicaltreatment.

A secondary feature of the system would be its ability to identify thoseindividuals who have not realized that they were exposed to andcontaminated by radioactive materials. In this case, significantincreases in high-energy radiation would be measured as contaminatedindividuals came in proximity to their monitored vehicle or televisionset-top box. These individuals may show up outside of the plume radiusand would require treatment by emergency services and/or receive alertnotification to seek treatment at the instructed facility.

In a manner analogous to data collection, emergency notification mayalso be implemented at a local, regional, state, national, orinternational level by automatic or human decisions, or a combinationthereof For certain types of alarms such as fire, local communicationsand decision makers will permit rapid evacuation from the threat—alongwith automatic notification to the appropriate emergency responseagencies. At higher levels within the hierarchy it may be advantageousto have human decision makers review automated screening responsesbefore notification and action, before false alarms are transmitted.However, due to the inherent delay by putting the “man in the loop” itis more desirable for these stations to be automated using one or morediscrimination algorithms.

As previously stated, the devices can transmit the data to the hostfacilities via any data link known in the art such as cable, telephone,satellite, cellular or RF transmission. Additional communicationprotocols may be utilized, although those that are compatible with theexisting data communications infrastructure are preferred.

As described herein, the plurality of digital and analogenvironmental/physical measurements/data points performed at the EFANdevices 110 located in homes, offices and vehicles, may be used bynational agencies and private companies to become a comprehensive,highly reliable solution in security. The Emergency Feedback andNotification (EFAN) system's ability to collect a plurality of digitaland analog measurements/data points from a broad array of sensor deviceslocated in homes, offices and vehicles, enables it to become acomprehensive, highly reliable solution in security. With the system'smonitoring capability, a resident or office worker may activate thesound/motion detection sensors for monitoring a vacated space. In theevent of a break-in at a secured residential home, vehicle or officelocation, alerts may be generated by the extreme noise or motiondetectors, in conjunction with other devices such as light emittingdevices located in close proximity to light detecting devices (e.g., (1)conventional infrared photodetectors or (2) emitters and photodetectorsin the non-visible spectrum operating at short wavelength (<290 nm)).Emitters may be powered by batteries and the detector is capable oftransmitting a signal, either by wire or wireless, to the EFAN set-topbox. In addition, the set-top box, after processing the relationships,trends and limits of prior inputs, may increase security, e.g., bychanging the previously defined frequencies which power the emitter; or,by changing the pulse width based upon relationships or limits; or, byusing a random number generator to alter the pulse width. Additionally,magnetic sensors and magnets, for example, Hall effect devices, may beused to initiate a signal to the set-top box that, in turn, wouldtransmit the alert message to a location that would enable authoritiesto be directed to the initiating alerts and simultaneously sendnotification to all residents of that neighborhood to be on the alert,in accordance with the techniques of the system and method fordelivering, disseminating and viewing/listening to emergency informationas described herein.

The EFAN system 100 and the interactive TV set-top box may additionallybe used in connection with the health care industry. For example, theplurality of digital and analog measurements/data points collected bythe EFAN system 100 from the broad array of sensor devices may be usedby national agencies and private companies to perform/enhance trendanalysis; establish a relationship between variables and the importanceof variables (e.g., weather modeling and forecasting; agriculturalresearch, development and crop/animal optimization; pharmaceuticalresearch; and, the development of other studies requiring definedvariations and controls); increase the capability to performstatistically valid, high statistical significance (high confidenceinterval) analysis and experiments; and, allow relationships andinteractions to be understood (e.g., providing a greater ability toestablish whether a particular drug is effective (i.e., has a highefficacy). For example, the EFAN system 100 may be used to prove that aparticular drug is or is not effective when statistical blocking is usedto take into account variations in ambient temperature and humidity orto understand and establish optimum treatment to allow for geographicalvariation in the efficacy for a specific drug. The combination andrelationship between environmental measurements and treatment historywith geography, in addition to exposure to certain workplaceenvironments and residential history/environment, family/history andefficacy for specific drugs, will provide for a substantial improvementin tailoring a patient(s)' treatment.

In connection with an interactive TV set-top box implementation of theinvention, and for use in health care, the set-top box may include aninterface providing analog and/or digital input to allow recording,trend analysis and transmission of certain physical measurements todoctors or technicians (as devices become available) (e.g., blood sugarmeasurements for diabetics similar to existing blood sugar measurementdevices and measurement of other blood chemistry or other physicalparameters). The device may additionally be utilized to inputprescription numbers and requests by patients and allow remote input bydoctors and pharmacists to enable dissemination of information,including current pricing at local pharmacies, side effects, adversedrug interactions and additional information from pharmaceuticalcompanies. The device may additionally be used to send an alertnotification to notify a user of the time to take prescriptions or renewa prescription. Another use for the device is to send a notificationtransmission to a patient's doctor indicating the detected physicalparameters (e.g., vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse,temperature, electrocardiogram) or to store the detected physicalparameters for display to the patient. Another use for the invention,when coupled with the capabilities afforded by an interactive TVimplementation, would be to conduct interactive sessions with providers(e.g., doctors, specialists, skilled professionals) covering a pluralityof ailments and services (e.g., psychotherapy sessions, support groups,weight loss/nutritional counseling, outpatient follow-ups and physicaltherapy techniques).

The measurements and data may further be used, in certain instances, asan educational tool or by news agencies.

In sum, the set-top box EFAN device 110, whether taken alone or inconjunction with a host facility that is linked to the device, fusesinformation from different sensors to: (1) perform trend analysis; (2)establish relationships between measurements of related parameters; and,(3) compare measurements and relationships to established thresholdlimits. For example, in the context of a residential fire where thedevice at the residence has sensors for smoke, carbon monoxide andtemperature, a trend analysis for each parameter may be performed.Additionally, relationships between sensed levels of smoke and carbonmonoxide may be developed according to stored algorithms. Lastly, themeasurements of the three parameters and the relationships are comparedto established threshold limits. Where a dangerous situation isindicated, an appropriate communication is directed to local emergencyservices and, optionally, neighbors may be informed of the situation.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the emergency feedback andnotification system (EFAN) 100 of the present invention has manyadvantages including:

1. Immediate data feedback from discrete addresses to emergencypersonnel with rapid notification to affected households, vehicles andother locations;2. Very simple and robust system. Current EAS system only addresseshouseholds with television or radios turned on. The average household inthe US has their radio or television on less than 30% of the time duringa 24 hour day. Since many fire and police emergencies occur at night, ata time when many people are asleep, the current EAS system provideslittle value in those events. In most emergencies, the government has noconfidence that everyone is notified by an EAS broadcast. Many peoplerarely watch TV and may reside in outlying remote areas whereinteraction with people is limited. For example, even in hurricaneevacuations, where the potentially affected population has days tobecome aware of the storm, the police and other emergency personnel mustgo to every door and dwelling to insure complete evacuation. Thisprocess is in contrast to the EFAN system where evacuation efforts canbe targeted focusing first on elderly and handicapped;3. The EFAN System provides complete coverage for feedback andnotification covering more than 100 +million households, 130 +millionvehicles, and 30 +million offices; with approximately 300 million datacollection points and the ability to notify affected areas both broadlyand individually, EFAN gives the general population confidence in thegovernment's ability to provide correct notification, direction andresponse in emergency situations;4. The EFAN system can be rapidly and cost-effectively installed usingexisting infrastructure (DBS, cable, telephones, TV's, NOAA radio,general radio and cellular telephone). Since the components required tocomplete the EFAN system are primarily devices produced by consumerelectronic manufacturers and suppliers, having the proven capability todeliver low-cost, high volume, high reliability and fast time to marketproducts, this in combination with existing infrastructure allows rapidcompletion of the EFAN system. The current EAS processes of design,production, installation and testing of a new system with far morelimited capabilities has required up to six years to complete;5. Feedback of meaningful data from a significant number of data pointsproduces a high level of confidence from statistical and trend analysis;6. The EFAN system is electronic. It does not depend upon humans tocollect data. For instance, 911 switchboard personnel will not have torely on potentially frightened or hysterical people to determine whetherthere is an actual emergency. The feedback features combined with trendanalysis from redundant sensors provide a very fast response to a widevariety of emergencies, in many of which cases the saving of livesdepends on early and immediate notification and response with a highdegree of confidence (e.g. fires);7. The EFAN system provides assistance with elderly and handicappedpeople, where notification of authorities may not otherwise occur (e.g.where the resident has hypothermia because the temperature in a househas dropped from 70° F. to 38° F. over several hours); with itsredundant sensing, trend analysis, and feedback with automatictransmission to the appropriate emergency services, the EFAN system willsave a significant number of people who would otherwise freeze to deathevery year in their own homes due to electrical/mechanical failure ofthe heating system, a loss of power and or depletion of heating fuel;and,8. Beyond EFAN's primary intent of emergency feedback and notification,EFAN provides a host of other ancillary benefits. For example, EFANoffers significant energy conservation measures in the home and office,utilizing a “learned response” optimization technique that easilyintegrates with heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. EFANadditionally functions as a deterrent to grand-theft auto utilizing itsGPS and communication capabilities. EFAN will deter the theft andtransportation of stolen goods utilizing passive radio-frequency (RF)tags that will identify, locate and communicate their physical positionback through the network. EFAN could even act as a child locator inabduction situations, where the child wears a voluntary RF tag on abracelet, necklace, watch or piece of clothing. As a result of thisincreased security, EFAN will enable delivery of a lower cost ofinsurance for home, auto and personal coverage. Finally, becauseinstances of terror have a tendency to “cocoon” citizens inside theirhome, EFAN will continue to stimulate consumer spending while in thehome through a convenient, secure, credit card enabled, interactivetelevision commerce system, which would not require the Internet.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the emergency feedback andnotification system (EFAN) 100 of the present invention, may beadvantageously implemented for displaying emergency content via anelectronic billboard display system such as described in commonly-owned,co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/416,333 filed Oct. 12,1999 entitled SYSTEM PERMITTING RETAIL STORES TO PLACE ADVERTISEMENTS ONROADSIDE ELECTRONIC BILLBOARD DISPLAYS THAT TIE INTO POINT OF PURCHASEDISPLAYS AT THE STORES, the whole contents and disclosure of which isincorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. Further, theEFAN system and set-top device of the present invention, may beadvantageously implemented with a music and video distribution systemsuch as described in commonly-owned, co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/855,992 filed May 15, 2001 entitled MUSIC DISTRIBUTIONSYSTEM, the whole contents and disclosure of which is incorporated byreference as if fully set forth herein. Further, the EFAN system andset-top device of the present invention may be further utilized inconjunction with interactive television systems such as described incommonly-owned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ [AttyDocket No. 08159.002, WT-18] entitled METHODS AND APPARATUS FORINTERACTIVE TELEVISION, the whole contents and disclosure of which isincorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

While there has been shown and described what is considered to bepreferred embodiments of the invention, it will, of course, beunderstood that various modifications and changes in form or detailcould readily be made without departing from the spirit of theinvention. It is therefore intended that the invention be not limited tothe exact forms described and illustrated, but should be constructed tocover all modifications that may fall within the scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed:
 1. A system, comprising: a monitoring device beingdisposed at a location and communicatively coupled to a communicationsnetwork, the monitoring device including a sensor module that isconfigured to: sense an environmental parameter at the location; andgenerate sensor data that characterizes the environmental parameter; ahost facility being communicatively coupled to the communicationsnetwork, the host facility being configured to maintain informationrelated to the monitoring device, the information including a deviceidentifier of the monitoring device; and software executing on ahandheld computing device that is communicatively coupled to thecommunications network; wherein the monitoring device and/or the hostfacility is configured to detect when an alert condition exists based onthe sensor data; wherein, upon detection of the alert condition, themonitoring device and/or the host facility is configured to transmit,via the communications network, alert notification content thatcorresponds to the alert condition; wherein the software is configuredto cause the handheld computing device to output a visual or audiblerepresentation of the alert notification content so as to notify a userof the alert condition.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein theenvironmental parameter is light and the sensor data includes electricalsignals outputted by a photosensor of the sensor module responsive tosensing light.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the photosensor isconstructed of silicon.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the alertcondition is movement of an object and the sensor data is analyzed so asto detect in the electrical signals outputted by the photosensor apattern that corresponds with movement of an object.
 5. The system ofclaim 1, wherein: the alert condition is movement of an object; theenvironmental parameter is infrared radiation (IR); the sensor moduleincludes an IR sensor; the sensor data includes electrical signalsoutputted by the IR sensor responsive to sensing IR; and the sensor datais analyzed so as to detect in the electrical signals outputted by theIR sensor a pattern that corresponds with an object moving within rangeof the IR sensor.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein: the alert conditionis fire, freezing temperatures, or smoke; the environmental parameter isheat or particulate; the sensor module includes a temperature sensor ora particle sensor; the sensor data includes electrical signals outputtedby the temperature sensor responsive to sensing heat or by the particlesensor responsive to sensing particulate; and the sensor data isanalyzed so as to detect in the electrical signals outputted by thetemperature sensor a pattern that corresponds with fire, freezingtemperatures, or smoke.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein: the alertcondition is a dangerous amount of a hazardous gas, organic contaminant,or water; the environmental parameter includes various chemical elementsor compounds; the sensor module includes a chemical sensor; the sensordata includes electrical signals outputted by the chemical sensorresponsive to sensing one or more of the various chemical elements orcompounds; and the sensor data is analyzed so as to detect in theelectrical signals outputted by the chemical sensor a pattern thatcorresponds with the dangerous amount of the hazardous gas, organiccontaminant, or water.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the alertcondition is a dangerous amount of water concurrent with freezing orsoon-to-be freezing temperatures, wherein the detected patterncorresponds with a trend indicating that the location will soon dropbelow freezing, wherein the alert notification content advises anemergency contact to enter the location prior to a water pipe rupturingdue to the freezing or soon-to-be freezing temperatures.
 9. The systemof claim 1, wherein: the alert condition is sound having a soundsignature known to correspond with an event; the environmental parameteris sound; the sensor module includes a sound measurement sensor; thesensor data includes electrical signals outputted by the soundmeasurement sensor responsive to sensing sound; and the sensor data isanalyzed so as to detect in the electrical signals outputted by thesound measurement sensor a pattern that corresponds with the soundsignature known to correspond with the event.
 10. The system of claim 1,wherein the software executing on the handheld computing device isfurther configured to cause the handheld computing device to: obtainuser feedback related to the alert notification content; and transmit,via the communications network, the user feedback for receipt by thehost facility; wherein the user feedback confirms that the user hasreceived the alert notification, or wherein the user feedback confirmsor denies an existence of the alert condition at the location.
 11. Asystem, comprising: means for monitoring being disposed at a locationand configured to: sense an environmental parameter at the location; andgenerate sensor data that characterizes the environmental parameter; anda host facility being remote from, and capable of communication with,the means for monitoring, the host facility being configured to maintaininformation related to the means for monitoring, the informationincluding an identifier of the means for monitoring; wherein the meansfor monitoring and/or the host facility is configured to detect when analert condition exists based on the sensor data; wherein, upon detectionof the alert condition, the means for monitoring and/or the hostfacility is configured to output alert notification content thatnotifies a user of the alert condition.
 12. The system of claim 11,wherein the user is notified of the alert condition when a user deviceof the user receives the outputted alert notification content.
 13. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein the means for monitoring includes aphotosensor, wherein environmental parameter is light and the sensordata includes electrical signals outputted by the photosensor responsiveto sensing light.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the alertcondition is movement of an object and the sensor data is analyzed so asto detect in the electrical signals outputted by the photosensor apattern that corresponds with movement of an object.
 15. The system ofclaim 11, wherein: the alert condition is movement of an object; theenvironmental parameter is infrared radiation (IR); the means formonitoring includes an IR sensor; the sensor data includes electricalsignals outputted by the IR sensor responsive to sensing IR; and thesensor data is analyzed so as to detect in the electrical signalsoutputted by the IR sensor a pattern that corresponds with an objectmoving within range of the IR sensor.
 16. The system of claim 11,wherein: the alert condition is fire, freezing temperatures, or smoke;the environmental parameter is heat or particulate; the means formonitoring includes a temperature sensor or a particle sensor; thesensor data includes electrical signals outputted by the temperaturesensor responsive to sensing heat or by the particle sensor responsiveto sensing particulate; and the sensor data is analyzed so as to detectin the electrical signals outputted by the temperature sensor a patternthat corresponds with fire, freezing temperatures, or smoke.
 17. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein: the alert condition is a dangerous amountof a hazardous gas, organic contaminant, or water; the environmentalparameter includes various chemical elements or compounds; the means formonitoring includes a chemical sensor; the sensor data includeselectrical signals outputted by the chemical sensor responsive tosensing one or more of the various chemical elements or compounds; andthe sensor data is analyzed so as to detect in the electrical signalsoutputted by the chemical sensor a pattern that corresponds with thedangerous amount of the hazardous gas, organic contaminant, or water.18. The system of claim 17, wherein the alert condition is a dangerousamount of water concurrent with freezing or soon-to-be freezingtemperatures, wherein the detected pattern corresponds with a trendindicating that the location will soon drop below freezing, wherein thealert notification content advises an emergency contact to enter thelocation prior to a water pipe rupturing due to the freezing orsoon-to-be freezing temperatures.
 19. The system of claim 11, wherein:the alert condition is sound having a sound signature known tocorrespond with an event; the environmental parameter is sound; themeans for monitoring includes a sound measurement sensor; the sensordata includes electrical signals outputted by the sound measurementsensor responsive to sensing sound; and the sensor data is analyzed soas to detect in the electrical signals outputted by the soundmeasurement sensor a pattern that corresponds with the sound signatureknown to correspond with the event.
 20. The system of claim 11, furthercomprising: software executing on a handheld computing device of a user,the software being configured to cause the handheld computing device to:obtain user feedback related to the alert notification content; andtransmit, via a communications network, the user feedback for receipt bythe host facility, wherein the user feedback confirms that the user hasreceived the alert notification, or wherein the user feedback confirmsor denies an existence of the alert condition at the location.